I just picked up two cams with a bunch of 230-250-292 parts but can't tell what they are. I was told they are mechanical. The Crane looks like a HMV-272 but also look like it's been stamped twice, is it a regrind?

I wouldn't worry about a double stamp, regrinds usually have the original numbers obliterated with a series of XXXXX's over them. Are these cams ground on 194-250 blanks or 292 blanks. That can deter how they are used somewhat?

I guess the question would be: How much would you put up with a temper mental engine?The second cam looks to be hydraulic lifter, maybe you could use some Rhoads lifters to calm it down some. It will have a pretty good idle with standard lifters.The 1st cam is a smaller grind and should idle great. Only problem is the solid lifters.

Part of the decision should be your "crawl ratio", which is 1st gear X axle ratio.If the product is 10 or more (2.52:1 Muncie X 4.11:1 axle = 10.4), either cam will probably be acceptable.If the product is substantially smaller (2.20:1 close ratio box X 3.08:1 axle = 6.8) the milder cam will be easier to live with. If you choose the hotter cam a heavy flywheel will make stop lights less annoying.

Part of the decision should be your "crawl ratio", which is 1st gear X axle ratio.If the product is 10 or more (2.52:1 Muncie X 4.11:1 axle = 10.4), either cam will probably be acceptable.If the product is substantially smaller (2.20:1 close ratio box X 3.08:1 axle = 6.8) the milder cam will be easier to live with. If you choose the hotter cam a heavy flywheel will make stop lights less annoying.

Ok 63 Nova Wagon, should be about 3200 lb including driver, gas, tools, and maybe a dog bed.

The Isky was slightly stronger over all though it may have a rougher idle. I put the engine above in your car, 2" duals, and here we go. This is at sea level, so up in Reno it will go slower:Torq 285 at 4300Powr 294 at 5900Shifting at 6000, again kinda high unless set up for it2.16 60ft9.21 at 75.8 1/8 mi14.34 at 96.80

I also Gonkulated a 292-30-over, everything else same:Torq 331 at 3800Powr 312 at 5500 also really high for a stock 2922.109.00 at 78.114.00 at 97.8The 292 is faster of course, but with all those gears it's not too much advantage and about 40 lb heavier.

My test mule is a powerglide car (very consistent launches with a 3.08 gear LOL), and the 292 makes a huge difference with that tall gear. You've got a steep enough gear that it's not that different. As Panic pointed out it will idle better, peak lower, but then again it better because the 292 doesn't like revs.

I have a stock 292, but I'm not sure I would dare ever go over 5000 with it. That's probably extra safe, but that's how I keep my budget low!